FTA is urging Government to act on recommendations from the Department for Transport’s Low Emission HGV Task Force to increase the use of biomethane in HGVs. This will take the utilisation of gas in the freight industry from small scale to mainstream use.

The move towards gas powered HGVs with either liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas and ultimately biomethane will ensure that the freight sector can contribute to national Government carbon reduction targets whilst delivering essential goods and services. An increase in the utilisation of gas hgvs will also help improve air quality in towns and cities.

The case for gas was supported at the last Autumn Statement where the fuel duty differential between the main rate of fuel duty and the rate for road fuel gases was maintained until March 2024. However, more needs to be done to breakdown further barriers to take up.

Rachael Dillon, Climate Change Policy Manager said: “The recent commitment by Government on the duty differential for gas provides much needed confidence for the freight industry to invest in dual fuel and dedicated gas vehicles. However, there is a lack of public refuelling infrastructure for gas vehicles which limits progress. Additionally, biomethane supplies need to be secured for the transport sector”.

The cost of refuelling infrastructure can cost around £1 million therefore preventing many companies particularly small operators from investing in gas. While the current system for incentivising the use of biomethane means that it is diverted to heating and electricity sectors.

Dillon adds: “The Task Force recommendations show that Government, key stakeholders and industry can work together to significantly increase the take up of gas HGVs. It is vital that we now build momentum and ensure that the recommendations transfer into actions”.

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